The state pension age does a lot more than simply determine when you can begin claiming your state pension.<\/p>\n
It can make you eligible for certain new benefits and support designed for older people and retirees, whilst at the same time removing access to a range of other benefits, reports MirrorOnline.<\/a><\/p>\n This can prove incredibly problematic for people who rely on DWP<\/a> support if they’re unaware they’ll be losing these funds.<\/p>\n READ MORE: All the NatWest branches closing in England from September to October<\/a><\/p>\n Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp <\/a>, click the link to join <\/p>\n There are some alternatives available to claim beyond state pension age, however you’ll need to be proactive in applying to ensure you aren’t left out of pocket when you reach 66.<\/p>\n Benefits that stop at state pension age are:<\/p>\n Employment and Support Allowance<\/p>\n Ed Gallois, Managing Director of Funeral Guide, observed that a lot of people simply don’t realise that these benefits will be “stopping overnight” and are left missing out on crucial support.<\/p>\n He stated: “We regularly see people missing out on thousands because they simply don’t realise what changes overnight at State Pension age.<\/p>\n “The system isn’t easy to navigate.<\/p>\n “You have to ask the right questions, and sadly, too many people only discover the changes when their income suddenly drops.”<\/p>\n “Certain benefits like PIP do have equivalents for people over the state pension age, such as Attendance Allowance.<\/p>\n “Pension Credit can also replace Universal Credit<\/a>.<\/p>\n There’s a variety of benefits exclusively accessible to people over the state pension age that can help bridge the gap left by other benefits that cease at 66.<\/p>\n